New Volkswagen T-Roc: now also full hybrid, everything you need to know

Climbing aboard we find the ambience already appreciated on the Tiguan and Tayron, starting with the large 12.9-inch central screen from which the Mib4 infotainment system with ChatGpt can be operated.

The design and architecture of the dashboard has a linear horizontal orientation. An example of the high quality of the T-Roc's interior is the upper area of the dashboard made of a new, softly padded, high quality fabric structure, which clearly reduces glare in the windscreen. At market launch the lower part, which extends like a fascia into the doors, will be available in different materials and colours. The fabric-covered upper level is framed by a perimeter band in an elegant metallic paint that makes the geometry stand out. In addition to the 10-inch instrumentation and the customisable rotor on the centre tunnel, the T-Roc debuts a head-up display for the first time. Similar to the latest ID. models and the Golf, Passat, Tiguan and Tayron, the new T-Roc also uses a control lever on the steering wheel as a switch for the 7-speed dual-clutch Dsg gearbox. This creates space for storage compartments in the centre console. Operation is simple: rotate forward to 'D' for forward, rotate backward to 'R' for reverse, press sideways to activate the electronic parking brake. A new control lever on the steering wheel, in this case multifunctional, is also used for the indicators and windscreen wipers. Thanks to the increased length, the boot capacity has increased by 20 litres to 465 litres.

At launch, two mild hybrid (eTsi) 116- and 150-horsepower traction units will be available exclusively with seven-speed Dsg gearboxes. So goodbye to the manual transmission, underlining the higher positioning of the second-generation T-Roc. Specifically, both 1.5-litre four-cylinder units are configured as mild hybrid drives with a 48 V belt-driven alternator-starter. The petrol turbos are constructively coupled to a 48 V lithium-ion battery and a 48 V belt-driven alternator-starter. The 48 V system temporarily makes 14 kW of power and 56 Nm more torque available. In the TSI-evo combustion cycle, the decisive factor for efficiency and power development is the symbiosis of the Miller cycle (early closing of the intake valves with a high compression ratio) and Vtg turbocharging In addition to technical features such as the Tsi evo combustion cycle and the Vtg variable geometry turbocharger, the 1.5 Tsi evo2 is an eTsi that also features Actplus active cylinder management. Depending on the situation, Actplus deactivates two of the engine's four cylinders as soon as possible. In these cases, at low or intermediate loads and speeds, fuel is not injected into the second and third cylinders. This increases efficiency in the active cylinders, while the passive cylinders operate practically leak-free. With the next acceleration, the system immediately reactivates them. Switching between two- and four-cylinder drive takes place almost imperceptibly for the driver. Two full hybrid versions will follow. As with the previous model, it will again be available at a later date with 4Motion all-wheel drive - combined with the 2.0-litre Tsi engine, which will also be offered as a mild hybrid in future.

As the latest addition to the Mqb evo series, the T-Roc now benefits from all the hardware and software developments of this modular system. For example, a new level of development of the Travel Assist, which in addition to supporting automatic lane changing now also reacts even more predictively to impending speed limits or their variation. In addition, it is also equipped for the first time with systems such as Park Assist Pro which, via the Memory function, enables parking with manoeuvre learning, i.e. fully automatic, over distances of up to 50 metres, as well as parking entry and exit manoeuvres via smartphone3. Another new on-board feature is Exit Assist, which can warn occupants before they open the doors3 when cars or bicycles approach from the rear.

Expected on the road in early 2026, it will be offered in the T-Roc, Life, Style and R-Line trims starting at around 33,000 euros.